Wine, Cheese, Free Metrocards: Not All Pain at Some NYC Law Firms

Despite long hours and high pressure, working at a big New York City law firm can have some perks beyond the paycheck and prestige—at least if you’re at one of the seven that made this year’s Best Places to Work list from Crain’s New York Business.

Tuition reimbursement, the option to telecommute and onsite fitness and wellness programs all helped make life a little easier for associates at those firms, according to the list, out in this week’s issue.

Highest ranking was Virginia-based Hunton & Williams, a four-time winner whose New York office placed fourth out of 50 on the list, thanks to perks such as free Metro Cards and a “sounding board” committee that looks to employees for ideas and feedback.

Bingham, another four-time winner, offers a “collaborative spirit,” while Goodwin Procter has monthly wine and cheese gatherings and the option to jet early from the office if your workload allows, according to Crain’s. Alston & Bird employees meet each morning to brainstorm on how to make the company better.

Three of the seven made the list for the first time this year, according to Above the Law. Hunton & Williams scooted up from #22 last year, while Alston & Bird, which has also made the list four times, fell from its #34 placement in 2010.

Why the downgrade? Hard to say. Alston & Bird did not immediately respond to the Law Blog’s request for comment.

To come up with the rankings, Crain’s quizzed 12,000 employees at companies with 25 or more workers . The confidential 72-question survey asked about benefits, advancement opportunities and corporate culture. Their bosses took their own 80-question survey.

About Law Blog

The Law Blog covers the legal arena’s hot cases, emerging trends and big personalities. It’s brought to you by lead writer Jacob Gershman with contributions from across The Wall Street Journal’s staff. Jacob comes here after more than half a decade covering the bare-knuckle politics of New York State. His inside-the-room reporting left him steeped in legal and regulatory issues that continue to grab headlines.

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